FT Employment Services Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:     Provide direct case management services to workforce program participants that leads to placement into competitive employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Perform case management, which includes eligibility determination and intake, orientation, plan development/implementation, case documentation/follow-up, and other tasks deemed necessary to appropriately manage each individual case, documenting evaluations, assessments, progress notes, and any contact made on behalf of the participant.

Perform assessments which include a work history, employment skills and ability, educational history and competency, need for supportive services, identification of intensive and specialized employment needs, the skills to be attained, the resources available to obtain employment and referrals to services for any other barriers to employment.

Offer relevant information and one-on-one coaching that engages participants in developing strategies to overcome barriers to employment, including legal, behavioral, physical, family, and other issues. Document evaluations, assessments, progress notes, contacts made on behalf of the participant.

Facilitate workshops and support groups related to employment, such as career exploration and planning, goal setting, networking, social media, job search strategies, resume writing and interviewing, job readiness, and for a variety of life skills, such as problem solving, esteem building, customer service, coping with life stressors, digital literacy, and financial wellness as appropriate to meet the needs of the community of participants served.

Develop job leads and perform direct job placement activities including making employer contacts, understanding the local market requirements, reporting on placement and follow-up activities and performing on the job interventions.  Work with employers as necessary to facilitate placement and retention. Maintain records of calls to and from employers, according to defined procedures.

Maintain close contact with referring agents and facilitate communication regarding participant progress.  Work in cooperation with training providers’ and other organizations being used to facilitate work experience or employment. 

Perform designated duties to ensure meeting the goals of the Outcome Measurement System.

Assist as needed with Job Fairs, large recruiting/hiring efforts, and other community outreach events.

Facilitate and lead new participant orientations.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:                          Bachelor’s Degree in rehabilitation counseling,

                                                                        behavioral science, psychology or related field, or equivalent.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION REQ’D:         Valid California Class C driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:                        Three years’ experience as a job developer, employment training specialist, recruiter, or related profession. Vocational rehabilitation counseling training and/or experience desirable.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:                       Knowledge of vocational implications of disadvantaging and disabling conditions and of tools to educate participants to meet individual employment plans.

                                                                        Understanding of barriers to employment faced by participants.

                                                                        Knowledge of the local labor market and job search strategies, and familiarity with career exploration and job search skills.

                                                                        Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, general Company policies and procedures (this may be learned on-the-job).

                                                            Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in computer technology, including advanced recordkeeping software, state-of-the-art internet job search techniques, and typical computer software programs including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

EQUIPMENT USED:                                   Typical office equipment; vehicles.

SKILLS/APTITUDES/TEMPERAMENTS:

Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.  Ability to communicate in basic Spanish desirable.

Ability to understand and comply with the protocols and state and federal program requirements related to workforce development and social services programs.

Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Code of Ethics.

Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of individual clients in terms of cultural diversity, physical limitations, economic hardship, learning disabilities, or any other areas of difference or barriers to employment that participants may have.

Ability to demonstrate understanding of the entire operations of the One Stop center and ability to work across functions as needed to ensure both the optimal delivery of services to the public and a supportive work environment.

Ability to demonstrate flexibility in service delivery times, including being available to attend community events or offer services during the evenings and weekends as determined to be in the best interest of serving the needs of the community.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Ability to understand others’ feelings and personal viewpoints and adapt accordingly.

Ability to organize and utilize time effectively to coordinate client schedules, staffing and report writing duties.

Ability to reason, make generalizations, evaluations, and decisions based on both sensory/judgmental and measurable/verifiable criteria.

Ability to understand and follow program-specific policies and procedures.

Ability to drive a vehicle in the transaction of company business. This requires a good driving record and may require the ability to provide evidence of personal vehicle liability insurance.

Ability to adhere to safe work practices as documented in Company policies; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly to supervisor or safety committee member.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

The job requires some emotional effort involving occasional short deadlines requiring little or no overtime. Work environment is routine with periods of isolated high activity/demand.

JOB SETTING

The job is performed in an enclosed, climatically-controlled office building. This may vary some when visiting other employer/industry sites.  Work is completed independently, one-on-one with the client and in a group setting with clients, client/employer meetings and in cooperation with other staff and referring agents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The job is primary sedentary with walking and standing as is necessary to carry out the job duties. Normal lifting and/or carrying is limited to approximately 15 lbs. On occasion, heavier items (up to 25 lbs.) may be lifted/carried.  Heavier items (26 lbs. or more) are moved by using proper material handling equipment, assistance from another person or by work order request.

Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform required tasks.